Your dentist needs to be up to date with all the latest techniques and materials. Cosmetic dentistry is moving at a fast pace and you do not want to be stuck with someone that uses outdated techniques or materials. There are two main organisations that will keep your dentist up to date:

British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

artistic excellence

Smile design requires an unique ability to transform problem teeth into a flawless smile. You should not need to ask to see the dentist’s previous work; they will be proud of what they have created and be willing to share it with you. They should have portfolios available at the practice and a smile gallery section on their web site. You want to see smiles that look natural and healthy. No one wants a fake smile.

training

Continual professional development is a must for any dentist carrying out cosmetic dentistry. Don’t be afraid to ask about recent courses the dentist has been on and particularly courses on the procedures you are interested in. Also make sure your dentist has attended hands – on courses, so they have practised beforehand what they intend to carry out on you.

technology

Dentists who are using the latest high tech equipment and materials are also more likely to be up to date on most recent treatments. Expect to have a quick tour of the practice – you will get a feel for the cleanliness and organisation of the clinical areas.

Expect the dentist to have digital radiographs (90% less radiation), digital cameras specially designed to take good quality pictures of your teeth, a central sterilisation area and all the relevant information on their premises.

consultation

This is the most important aspect of changing your smile procedure. Expect this to take at least an hour, as an extensive protocol needs to be followed to achieve that perfect smile. It should include the following:

informal discussion regarding any questions you may have about your dental needs and any specific service you are interested in

tour of practice and introduction to members of your team

evaluation of your medical, dental and smile questionnaires

comprehensive examination of your teeth and supporting structures

any necessary digital radiographs and photographs

explanation of any findings via the video camera and photographs

discussion on treatment options available to you via previous cases treated

printed treatment plan outlying number of visits and costs per visit

discussion of different finance options available

address any further concerns or questions you may have

laboratory

When creating that exciting new smile, the dentist will be working closely with their laboratory. The laboratory is responsible for producing the veneers. The dentist will be proud of their laboratory and will provide literature supporting their excellence.

treatment plan

Your dentist from the outset will clearly indicate the number of visits required, how long each one will last and exactly what will happen in each. You will be told how long it will take for any laboratory work to return. Your time is precious; make sure you know how long the whole procedure will take.

cost

Cosmetic dentistry is surprisingly accessible, but be careful not to skimp on your smile. Do not automatically go for the lowest bidder – it can mean they are cutting corners on the quality of materials and at worse this can lead to more expensive and extensive treatment later on.

Before any procedure can be started, you should have a written treatment plan outlining the fees involved, payment terms and finance options available. Sometimes, creating your new healthy smile can be expensive and you should be given the choice of different financial options, to make it more affordable.

health

You may have initially come in for the perfect smile, but at what cost? You need to find a dentist that will be honest with you and explain all risks associated with different options. It may be in your best interests to compromise on that perfect look for something that is functional and durable. You will need to get honest answers from your dentist as to how the smile you have requested will affect your bite, gums and the general action of your teeth.

comfort

Expect to receive excellent customer care. Staff should be happy to ensure that all your questions are answered and that you are comfortable throughout your treatment. A warm relaxing environment is essential to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

Are you unhappy with the dark mercury old fillings that you had done when you were younger?

You do not have to put up with this any longer. aesthetics based in Stevenage, Herts can provide you with naturally looking tooth coloured fillings. These are more conservative than the silver mercury fillings and are almost impossible to see. When they are placed properly they can last a number of years.

I had a message from a company on Tuesday asking me if I was interested in having a TV ad in the local gym. I was a bit surprised since I already had a meeting with this company 6 months ago and had paid for 6 months of advertising in this gym. I knew the TV’s had not been set up and would expect the 6 months of advertising to start when the TV’s were up and running.

I rang this company back and informed them I had a contract for 6 months at this gym already. They checked their records and said that I was signed up to a different gym location and a sales rep had signed the contract on my behalf. I faxed them my contract which I signed and had the location I wanted.

The company rang back after a few hours and explained that the rep that had been seen me had been sacked since he was caught changing contracts. He only got his commission when the ad went live and since my location was not live he swapped it to one that was and had got one of his colleagues to sign the contract.

I was in shock that someone could do this and also the fact that they thought they could get away with this. The company have agreed to place my ad in the location I had signed for and for 6 months when they go live.

This patient took advantage of our offer of free teeth whitening if undergoing a course of veneers or crowns. you can see how the combination of both led to an excellent result which she is thrilled about.